Juno and I met on December 24, 1996. He was only 8 weeks old and weighed a little more than a pound. He was my Christmas present and the dog I always wanted and never had. We drove 2 hours to get him and it was love at first site, despite him having an accident on both me and my husband on the way home. Juno instantly became part of our family. He bonded so well with our then almost 2 year old daughter. He was so great with kids, and Maltese aren't known to be, but he was the exception. I didn't realize how fond of him I was until he died suddenly March 10, 1998, only being 1 1/2 years old. He didn't suffer very long, thank God. He woke up sick that morning, I figured he ate something he wasn't supposed to, and he continued vomiting intermittently during the day. I had errands to run and put him in his crate 'til I got home. I was going to take him to the vet the next day if he continued being sick. Unfortunately Juno didn't make it the few hours until I got home. His little body gave up. I so wish I could have been here to hold him, but I didn't know his life was at stake. The thought of him dying alone is so horrifying to me. When I look back, I think he knew he was going to die. He wanted to be left alone to sit behind the couch. He didn't even want to sit in my lap, which was his favorite activity. It's amazing how quickly we bonded. I feel so much loss. He's not here to follow me around the house while I do my chores. He's not here to warn me of people at the door. He's not here to peer over the bathtub while I take a bath. He's not here to sit on my shoulder and let me burp him like a baby. He's not here to be a "baby" for my little girl who loved to push him in her stroller. But he is in my heart, and forever will be. I will forever miss you Juno. Even if Mommy gets another dog someday, it will never replace the special memories I have for you!! I love you, Juno!! Mommy